Even in the most tactical procurement roles, a buyer should be able to visualize the purchasing process from beginning to end. Each of these nine steps of the tactical purchasing process should be known inside and out:

☛ Determining a need

☛ Communicating the need

☛ Reviewing the need

☛ Finding potential suppliers

☛ Conducting bidding and/or negotiation

☛ Selecting a supplier

☛ Formalizing the commitment

☛ Following up

☛ Closing out the transaction